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TARRANT COUNTY 9-1-1 DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Responders 2010

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Tarrant County 9-1-1 District Annual Report 2010

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Page 1: Responders 2010

TARRANT COUNTY 9-1-1 DISTRICT

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Page 2: Responders 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)

2. Message from The Chairman of the Board

3. Message from The Executive Director

4. 9-1-1 Staff

8. Awards & Honors

12. Affidavit

13. Statement of Net Assets & Governmental Fund Balance Sheet

14. Statement of Activities & Governmental Fund Revenues

15. Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Changes in Fund Balance

16. Operations & Training

17. Geographic Informations Systems (GIS)

18. Wireless Phase II Call Testing

19. Public Awareness

W H E N S ECO N D S CO U N T

TA R R A N T C O U N T Y 9 - 1 - 1 D I S T R I C T

MISSION

The Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District will continuously provide reliable, accurate, responsive, and effective emergency communication networks and services to our member jurisdictions ensuring the protection of life and property for citizens in our community.

OBJECTIVES

Ensure availability of the 9-1-1 system to all persons and entities within the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District.

Provide continuous improvement of systems and services through research and implementation of industry “best practices.”

Enhance public education and awareness of available and future 9-1-1 services.

Provide leadership in the areas of legislation, regulation and technology.

Advise, inform and educate telecommunicators (and other public safety personnel) to ensure adherence to federal and state emergency communications laws and requirements.

Additional copies of the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District’s Annual Report can be obtained by contacting Alisa Simmons, Manager of Public Marketing at 817-820-1189 or [email protected].

TARRANT COUNTY 9-1-1 DISTRICT2600 Airport Freeway

Fort Worth, Texas 76111www.tc911.org

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Primary PSAPs1. Arlington2. Azle3. Bedford4. Benbrook5. Blue Mound6. Burleson7. Crowley8. Dallas/Fort Worth Airport9. Dalworthington Gardens10. Euless11. Everman12. Forest Hill13. Fort Worth Police14. Grand Prairie15. Grapevine16. Haltom City17. Hurst18. Irving Police19. North East Tarrant Communications Center

20. Kennedale21. Lake Worth22. Mansfield23. Naval Air Station-Ft. Worth24. North Richland Hills25. Pantego26. Richland Hills27. River Oaks28. Saginaw29. Sansom Park30. Tarrant County Sheriff’s Ofc.31. Watauga32. Westover Hills33. Westworth Village34. White Settlement Police

Secondary PSAPs35. Arlington Fire Dept.36. Careflite37. Ft. Worth Fire Dept.38. Irving Fire Department39. Medstar40. Tarrant County Fire Alarm41. White Settlement Fire Dept.

Backup PSAPs

42. Arlington Police Dept. Backup43. Burleson Backup44. DFW Airport DPS Backup45. Fort Worth Fire Backup Fort Worth Police Backup Medstar Backup46. Grand Prairie EOC47. Irving Police/Fire Backup48. Regional Backup-South

Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)

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tarrant county9-1-1 district

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The Board of Managers is pleased to provide this 2010 Annual Report of Operations for

the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District. This publication includes a summary

of the independent auditors’ report. It also gives the staff an opportunity to share its

progress in providing the best 9-1-1 services available.

Fiscal 2010 has been yet another exciting and busy year for the 9-1-1 district. District

staff have lived up to their reputation by performing with excellence in keeping up with

changes in technology.

The enclosed annual audit conducted by Pattillo, Brown & Hill Certified Public Accountants,

shows the district to be in sound financial condition. With the anticipated changes in

technology, it is more important than ever that the district maintain an appropriate

reserve balance in order to react to these changes.

Please take a moment to review this annual report. We invite your questions or comments

and will be happy to address your governing body in response to any questions concerning

our operations. I also encourage you to visit our web site, www.tc911.org, for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Director, Greg Petrey, with any questions,

comments or requests.

Finally, after thirteen and a half years of service, I have elected to retire from the board.

By the time you receive this annual report, the City of Fort Worth will have appointed a

new member and a new Board Chairman will be in place. It has been a distinct pleasure to

serve you and work with the dedicated staff at the district.

Thank you for your continued support of the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance

District and our partners; the police, fire and EMS dispatch centers.

Sincerely,

Jim AustinChairman, Board of Managers

Message from The Chairman of the Board

“Fiscal 2010 has been yet another exciting and busy year for the 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District. District staff have lived up to their reputation by performing with excellence in keeping up with changes in technology.”

- Jim Austin

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Welcome to the annual report of the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District for fiscal year 2010. As in past years, we have focused on investing time and resources in ways that are meaningful and beneficial to our customers. I am very proud of our accomplishments and hope this report will demonstrate our commitment to excellence and responsive customer service.

In order for our 9-1-1 system to keep pace, we have continued to modify our legacy analog network. At the same time, we have monitored the development of technology to meet the demands of 9-1-1’s future. The next generation of 9-1-1 service, or NG9-1-1, is coming soon. This completely new digital network will deliver new services and technologies that will expand our 9-1-1 horizon. New tools will be available for call takers and field responders. We look forward to NG9-1-1 and the innovations it will bring.

One new technology we initiated is the new Internet Protocol (IP) public safety grade network. This network will provide four major opportunities for the district and its customers:

• Fully replace our current Enhanced 9-1-1 system with a digital network with all capabilities and functions we have today;• Add capabilities to support changes for current and new types of Originating Service Providers, such as: Internet phone services like Vonage, telematics services like OnStar and Ford Sync, and non-voice emergency communications devices like alarms and sensors; • Add flexibility for the PSAPs and 9-1-1 Authorities; and• Add capabilities to integrate and operate collaboratively with emergency entities beyond the PSAP, such as police, fire and EMS service providers.

Another program initiated during 2010 was our PSAP Assistance Program. Under this program, a Public Safety Answering Point can apply for “grant style” funding for reimbursement of certain calltaker related expenses. Some of the more popular requests were maintenance, remodeling, chairs and specialized training. Last fiscal year, almost one million dollars was distributed. This program has been extended through at least calendar year 2011.

We value your partnership in serving the citizens of the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District and are committed to supporting you. Your continued support is appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance or answer any questions you might have.

Respectfully,

Greg PetreyExecutive Director

Message from The Executive Director

“The next generation of 9-1-1 service, or NG9-1-1, is coming soon. This completely new digital network will deliver new services and technologies that will expand our 9-1-1 horizon.” - Greg Petrey

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Board of Managers

Jim AustinChairman

City of Fort Worth AppointeePresident - Austin Co.

Commercial Real Estate

Larry BoydCity of Irving AppointeeChief - Irving Police Dept.

Rick BrunsonTarrant County Commissioners’Court AppointeeEnterprise Support Services ManagerTarrant County

Richard FregoeCity of Grand Prairie Appointee

Deputy Mayor ProTemCouncil Member District 4

Sam GreifCity of Fort Worth Appointee

Operations Battalion ChiefFort Worth Fire Dept.

Harry JeffriesMayors’ Council AppointeeMayor - City of Watauga

Don CrowsonCity of Arlington AppointeeChief - Arlington Fire Dept.

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NOT PICTURED: Adam Thorne Assistant VP – Network Services AT&T

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District Staff

Richard Atkins, ENP

Assistant DirectorAdministration & Regulatory

Warren AustinGeographic Information Systems Analyst

Mandy ChanthapanyaAdministrative Assistant

Monte CockrumNetwork Support Specialist

Melinda OliverChief Fiscal Officer

Greg Petrey, ENP

Executive Director

Phillip RohrboughGeographic Information Systems Analyst

Gary RossGIS/GPS Specialist

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District Staff

Bill Horne, ENPDatabase Manager

Kevin KleckTechnical Operations Manager

Gracie MartinezData Base Coordinator

Wanda McCarleyOperations Group Manager

Yvonne Serl, ENPPSAP Support Specialist

Alisa SimmonsManager of Public Marketing

Yui Skulpoonkitti, GISPManager of Geographic Information Systems

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2010

Triniti HawkinsSix-years-oldArlington, Texas

Six-year-old Triniti Hawkins spent the night with her grandmother. The next morning Triniti noticed that her grandma wasn’t answering her phone, which rang on several occasions. Triniti attempted to wake her grandmother, but wasn’t able to do so. At approximately 9:00 a.m. on October 10, 2009, Triniti realized the difficulty she was having trying to wake her grandmother was unusual. After attempting to call both of her parents, Triniti dialed 9-1-1. She reached tenured Arlington 9-1-1 calltaker Ingrid Massengill. Ingrid worked with Triniti to confirm the address of the emergency. Triniti advised the calltaker she was being baby sat by her grandmother and couldn’t get her to wake up. According to medical personnel, if Triniti had not been there, her grandmother would not have gotten the help she needed to stay alive. For her quick thinking and life-saving call, Triniti Hawkins was recognized as a 9-1-1 Kid Hero. Triniti’s 9-1-1 call can be heard by going to www.tc911.org.

Jamonica MillerNine-years-old

Arlington, Texas

Nine-year-old Jamonica Miller’s call to 9-1-1 highlighted the challenges inherent with wireless technology and the 9-1-1 Network. Jamonica and her father, Jerry, were driving on Loop 820 in the North Richland Hills area, on March 7, 2010, when something went terribly wrong. Mr. Miller suffered a seizure while driving which resulted in an automobile accident. Jamonica immediately dialed 9-1-1 from a cell phone and reached North Richland Hills dispatcher Carissa Katekaru. Upon hearing Jamonica Miller’s harrowing call to 9-1-1, you will understand why this brave, quick-thinking youngster was honored as a 9-1-1 Kid Hero. Jamonica’s 9-1-1 call can be heard by going to www.tc911.org.

Awards & Honors

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Awards & Honors

Ryan Reed16-years-oldWeatherford, Texas

On October 24, 2010, 16-year-old Ryan Reed was a passenger in the SUV being driven by his grandfather, Joe Posavitz. They were driving through Arlington, headed back to their Weatherford home, when Mr. Posavitz experienced a massive heart attack…with the vehicle still in motion. Using his cell phone, Ryan, who has Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism, dialed 9-1-1. His call was answered by Arlington 9-1-1 calltaker Angie Phillips. Angie quickly went to work to try to determine the location of Ryan and his grandfather. She and Ryan had the additional task of trying to bring the SUV to a complete halt. Ryan was able to stop the vehicle. He remained calm and on the line while following Angie’s directions until first responders arrived at the scene. Mr. Posavitz, who spent six-weeks in the hospital, credits Ryan for his being alive today. For his swift action and life-saving call, Ryan Reed was recognized as a 9-1-1 Teen Hero. Ryan’s 9-1-1 call can be heard by going to www.tc911.org.

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Affidavit

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Statementof

General Adjustments NetAssets

ASSETS

Cashandinvestments $22,343,323 $- $22,343,323

Servicefeesreceivables 721,312 - 721,312

Netpensionasset - 225,814 225,814

Nondepreciablecapitalassets - 188,602 188,602

Depreciablecapitalassets,net - 5,006,437 5,006,437

Totalassets 23,064,635 5,420,853 28,485,488

LIABILITIES

Accountspayable 19,312 - 19,312

Long-termliabilities:

Duewithinoneyear - 58,926 58,926

Dueinmorethanoneyear - 235,706 235,706

Totalliabilities 19,312 294,632 313,944

FUND BALANCE/NET ASSETS

Fundbalance:

Unreserved,undesignated 23,045,323 (23,045,323) -

Totalfundbalance 23,045,323 (23,045,323) -

Totalliabilitiesandfundbalance $23,064,635

Netassets:

Investedincapitalassets 5,195,039 5,195,039

Unrestricted 22,976,505 22,976,505

Totalnetassets $28,171,544 $28,171,544

Statement of Net Assets & Governmental Fund Balance Sheet

september 30, 2010

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W H E N S ECO N D S CO U N T

TA R R A N T C O U N T Y 9 - 1 - 1 D I S T R I C T

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Statement

General Adjustments ofActivities

Expenditures/expenses:

911services:

9-1-1servicefees $4,743,784 $- $4,743,784

Personnel 1,646,579 (23,260) 1,623,319

Leaseandcontractualservices 1,082,920 - 1,082,920

Suppliesandmaterials 38,992 - 38,992

Otherfeesandservices 359,104 - 359,104

Other 221,227 3,516 224,743

Depreciation - 105,369 105,369

Total9-1-1services 8,092,606 85,625 8,178,231

Capitaloutlay 2,798,259 (2,798,259) -

Totalexpenditures/expenses 10,890,865 (2,712,634) 8,178,231

Programrevenues:

Chargesforservices-9-1-1servicefees 12,340,121 - 12,340,121

Netprogramrevenues 1,449,256 2,712,634 4,161,890

Generalrevenues:

Interestincome 73,257 - 73,257

Totalgeneralrevenues 73,257 - 73,257

Excessofrevenuesoverexpenditures 1,522,513 (1,522,513)

Changeinnetassets 4,235,147 4,235,147

Fundbalance/netassets:

Beginning 21,522,810 2,582,565 24,105,375

Priorperiodadjustment - (168,978) (168,978)

Ending $23,045,323 $5,126,221 $28,171,544

Statement of Activities & Governmental Fund Revenues,Expenditures & Changes in Fund Balances

for the year ended september 30, 2010

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Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Changes in

Fund Balance - Budget & Actual

GENERAL FUND

Actual Positive

Original Final Amounts (Negative)

REVENUES

Servicefees $11,606,000 $11,606,000 $12,340,121 $734,121

Interestincome 120,000 $120,000 73,257 (46,743)

Totalrevenues 11,726,000 11,726,000 12,413,378 687,378

EXPENDITURES

9-1-1servicefees 15,442,892 15,442,892 4,743,784 10,699,108

Personnel 1,679,630 1,679,630 1,646,579 33,051

Leaseandcontractualservices 2,064,903 2,064,903 1,082,920 981,983

Suppliesandmaterials 119,315 119,315 38,992 80,323

Otherfeesandservices 340,350 340,350 359,104 (18,754)

Other 353,796 353,796 221,227 132,569

Capitaloutlay 113,600 113,600 2,798,259 (2,684,659)

Totalexpenditures 20,114,486 20,114,486 10,890,865 9,223,621

EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES

OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES (8,388,486) (8,388,486) 1,522,513 9,910,999

FUND BALANCE, BEGINNING 21,522,810 21,522,810 21,522,810 -

FUND BALANCE, ENDING $13,134,324 $13,134,324 $23,045,323 $9,910,999

BudgetedAmounts

VariancewithFinalBudget

for the year ended september 30, 2010

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Legal RepresentationTaylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla, & Elam, L.L.P.

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Operations & Training

The Operations Group is comprised of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), technical operations, database/MSAG/quality assurance, and training/PSAP support. During this very busy year, teamwork has been extremely important requiring all of these units to work together for success. Teamwork is not only important among the internal teams of the Operations Group, but also between the Operations Group and its customers. With so many complex projects in progress, communication and synergy are critical.

The largest project initiated this year is the installation and implementation of our Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) network. The technical operations team has the leadership role in this district-wide effort. The network will touch every PSAP. Training/PSAP support is working closely with the technical team and the PSAPs to address logistics and communication.

Participation in the First Office Application Project (FOA), initiated by the Commission on State Emergency Communications, will touch every phase of operations. GIS is working on a point file layer within the GIS system that will be the cornerstone of future routing. Technical operations and Training/PSAP support are preparing the network and coordinating with the four Tarrant County 9-1-1 PSAPs participating in the FOA. Database/MSAG is researching adaptations to the current MSAG. Activity will increase rapidly as we move closer to testing Next Generation 9-1-1 network functionality and capability along with other 9-1-1 entities in Texas.

Equipment upgrades continue across the district under the oversight of the technical operations team. Along with the usual upgrade of customer premises equipment comes improvements to electrical power reliability at each PSAP. Training/PSAP support is providing insight on configurations and on site training and assistance.

The development of regional backup sites continues under the leadership of the technical operations team. One site is currently in use, and three are undergoing site preparation.

These are just a few of the many projects the Operations Group worked on. As these and other work efforts progress, we will be providing information and looking for guidance to ensure our efforts meet the needs of our PSAPs and our communities.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” ~Henry Ford

Pictured: (left to right) Bill Horne, Monte Cockrum, Yvonne Serl, Warren Austin, Gary Ross, Wanda McCarley, Kevin Kleck, Yui Skulpoonkitti, Philip Rohrbough, Gracie Martinez

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Geographic Information Systems

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During Fiscal Year 2010, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department continued generating address points, which is one of the GIS data layers required by Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) technology to accurately locate emergency callers and be able to route them to the appropriate Public Safety AnsweringPoint (PSAP). In addition, the GIS team continued working on the synchronization of the GIS, MSAG and ALI databases ensuring they remain highly accurate and up-to-date for the 9-1-1 system. The GIS group coordinated with member cities to research and verify questionable addresses, and maintained the existing data layers for accuracy and relevance. The 2009 digital ortho and Pictometry were also updated to our GIS system. Additionally, TC9-1-1 GIS shared GIS data with other governmental and private entities and produced hard copy maps upon request. The GIS department also participated in the 9-1-1 Statewide Repository Pilot Project. With this project, the Geospatial Emergency Management Support System (GEMSS), a web-based mapping tool, was used to visualize the 9-1-1 GIS data layers. We used this tool for the purpose of discovering boundary discrepancies, verifying gaps or overlaps and locating any disconnects for purposes of identifying issues that need resolution between jurisdictions. The project’s primary goal was to establish a geospatial data repository for emergency management in the State of Texas.

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Wireless Phase II Call Testing

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Wireless Phase II Call Testing

In 2010, Tarrant County 9-1-1 District continued the extensive wireless testing program that was started in 2005. The data gathered from this testing program placed Tarrant County 9-1-1 District on the leading edge of 9-1-1 agencies in the nation in gathering first-hand data about wireless calls inside their territory. The fact that the number of wireless calls has grown to over 77% emphasizes the need for current and accurate information on the location of wireless callers.

The primary objective of the testing program is to gain first-hand knowledge about each of the six major wireless networks in order to better train the calltakers on how to handle wireless calls. Another objective of this phase two testing is to determine if the wireless carriers are continuing to meet the FCC mandate for accuracy.

The testing program involves test calls from each of the six major wireless network’s phones. There are more than 300 test sites throughout the Tarrant County 9-1-1 District service area.

The data gathered during the testing program allowed the wireless training for the 9-1-1 calltakers to be updated and greatly simplified. The training for the calltakers is now based on results that are unique to Tarrant County 9-1-1. The wireless training now is based on the “Where’s Waldo?” puzzle. Waldo goes to a PSAP and makes a test call from an intersection. The calltaker uses the training to locate Waldo on the map and tell Waldo the actual intersection.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Call Testing

In 2010, Tarrant County 9-1-1 continued to test VoIP telephone service. There are now six working VoIP telephone lines that are used to generate 9-1-1 calls. The primary objective of the testing is to gather first-hand knowledge about VoIP in order to better train the calltakers how to handle VoIP calls.

WirelineCalls

WirelessCalls

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Public Awareness

The Tarrant County 9-1-1 District maintained its commitment to providing 9-1-1 public education to citizens county wide.

The agency’s relationships with individual 9-1-1 communications centers throughout the county ensured our combined efforts would heighten awareness about the 9-1-1 system and how it operates in Tarrant County in general and specifically in each city. The district also maintained its partnerships with area fire departments, police departments and EMS providers to disseminate the 9-1-1 message.

During FY2010 the district distributed 9-1-1 educational materials to 9-1-1 communications centers, police, fire and EMS agencies. These materials and curriculum were utilized to educate school children, teens, adults and senior citizens.

The district provided materials or participated in health and safety fairs at churches, libraries, hospitals and other venues. The agency supported the efforts of area fire departments during Fire Safety Education Month in October, crime prevention efforts of National Night Out, Citizen Police Academies and Citizen Fire Academies offered by police and fire departments, as well as comprehensive outreach to area public and private schools.

PROFILE IN 9-1-1 PUBLIC EDUCATION Fort Worth Police Communications with the support of the Tarrant County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance Districtdeveloped and implemented an innovative educational program to increase awareness about 9-1-1 among persons with disabilities. In a partnership with Expanco, Inc. and with the blessing of communications center management and the Fort Worth Police Department, 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Kelli Dake, Mandy Riddle and Anne Wiggs volun-teered to plan and implement 9-1-1 training to Expanco’s 140 employees; all have varying degrees of developmental disabilities. Founded in 1977, Expanco was one of Tarrant County’s first programs designed to provide secure employment opportunities for adults with severe developmental disabilities. Expanco acts as a service contractor within the Tarrant County social services network and accepts clients through referrals from agencies such as the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, the state commission for the Blind, MHMR of Tarrant County, area independent school districts and private group homes. During presentations to small groups, dispatch volunteers teach Expanco employees the following:

• When to call 9-1-1 • How to call 9-1-1 • What to say • Who comes when they call 9-1-1 • The importance of trying to remain calm during the 9-1-1 call After each group goes through an eight-week 9-1-1 education course, they are prepared to graduate. Two graduation ceremonies have been held and lead by Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead, Deputy Chief Abdul Pridgen, police communications manager Jhonnie Ortiz and Expanco management.

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NATIONAL 9-1-1 EDUCATION MONTH

During the month of April 2010, the Tarrant County 9-1-1 District joined the emergency communications industry nationwide in observing National 9-1-1 Education Month. The United States Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives each passed resolutions declaring the month of April National 9-1-1 Education Month. The resolutions urge government officials, school administrators, caregivers, businesses and families to observe the month with appropriate 9-1-1 educational training, ceremonies, events and activities.

Advertising CampaignThe district’s outreach efforts included advertising aimed at hundreds of thousands of citizens in Tarrant County and north Texas. The 9-1-1 message was disseminated via television advertising, radio public service announcements, radio talk show interviews and news coverage of 9-1-1 education and awareness activities

during April and again in September 2010.

The April 2010 National 9-1-1 Education Month public awareness campaign included new creative components aimed at heightening public awareness about the 9-1-1 system. The media buy included broadcast and cable television advertising and billboard advertising. The campaign featured new artwork and a new slogan, “9-1-1 Needs to Know Where to Go: Know Your Location” for billboard artwork and a 30-second television spot, which encouraged citizens calling from cellular phones, to be prepared to give the location of the emergency to the 9-1-1 calltaker.

April 2010 Public Awareness Campaign – New CreativeAdvertising that aired on Dallas/Fort Worth regular broadcast television stations and cable TV during FY 2010 allowed the district’s 9-1-1 message to reach nearly two million individuals.

The district’s billboard advertising in Tarrant County reached 23.1 million adults ages 18 and over for the duration of the campaign.

September 2010 Public Awareness CampaignMore than 600 9-1-1 public service announcements aired on Dallas/Fort Worth radio stations with programming geared toward Hispanics, Vietnamese & African-Americans during a four-week campaign.

The district’s billboard advertising was repeated in September and resulted in 31 million adult impressions (adults 18+) during a two-month run in Tarrant County alone.

Live interviews on Radio Saigon, KNOR (La Raza) and KFLX (La Voz)

Public Awareness

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Media Relations

The district collaborated with sister 9-1-1 administrative agencies to host a media event in an effort to maximize awareness of the new “9-1-1 Needs to Know Where to Go: Know Your Location” wireless location message. The National 9-1-1 Education Month news conference held by Tarrant County 9-1-1 District, the Denco 9-1-1 District, City of Dallas 9-1-1, the 9-1-1 program at the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the City of Plano, unveiled the new 9-1-1 slogan and highlighted the life-saving actions of two young 9-1-1 Kid Heroes. The event was held at the Arlington Emergency Operations Center on April 12, 2010. The news conference received media coverage from the following outlets:

Fort Worth Star Telegram WFAA News 8 Telemundo 52 KDFW Fox 4 KRLD 1080 NBC 5 WBAP 820 CBS 11 The 33 News

Annual Telecommunicator Appreciation Event

As observed during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and National 9-1-1 Education Month

Throughout April, dispatch centers nationwide recognize their own telecommunicators with gifts, treats, and fun activities, during city council meetings and similar ceremonies. The Tarrant County 9-1-1 District also takes pride in showing appreciation to the nearly 800 9-1-1 calltakers and dispatchers that work at the district’s 50 public safety answering points. In April 2010, Tarrant County telecommunicators were treated to dinner and a casino night at Cowboys Stadium. Nearly 700 telecommunicators and their guests attended the event which featured stadium tours, dinner, casino fun, a comedian and live music from Fort Worth band, Latin Express.

Public Awareness

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W H E N S ECO N D S CO U N T

TA R R A N T C O U N T Y 9 - 1 - 1 D I S T R I C T

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2600 Airport FreewayFort Worth, Texas 76111

www.tc911.org